Theo Epstein to the Chicago Cubs: Can He Be Chicago's "Curse Killer"?

In 2002, the then-struggling and desperate Boston Red Sox hired a young, inexperienced stats junky, who had graduated from Yale for their GM position.

The 28-year-old Theo Epstein never played an inning of high school baseball, but he had a passion for the game that was almost unmatched by any other GM.

The combination of Epstein's innovative statistics and youthful spirit brought upon a new era for Red Sox Nation. As opposed to the decades of futility before Epstein's hire, the new GM ushered in an era of success atop the hierarchy of Major League Baseball.

On October 27, 2004, the Boston Red Sox completed a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, effectively ending their 86-year drought.

The Sox won, yet again, in 2007 and after a seemingly perfect offseason after a disappointing 2010 campaign (filled with what were thought to prime free-agent signings), the Red Sox looked poised to add another championship during the tenure of Epstein.

But, after leading the American League wild-card race in September, the Red Sox witnessed a historic collapse that saw them lose their playoff spot on the last night of the season to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston panicked, and in a matter of days, skipper Terry Francona was gone.

Epstein, who sensed trouble, began to look elsewhere.

But where could he go?

It just so happens that a certain team that has a 103-year World Series championship drought, fired their general manager and is actively seeking for a new one.

That team just so happens to be the Chicago Cubs.

Much like the situation in Boston in 2002, Cubs fans are thirsty for the championship champagne that they haven't tasted in over a century.

But can a single man cure the troubles of two of baseball's largest and most passionate fanbases in a matter of years? No, it cannot be.

But, indeed it may happen.

According to an ESPN.com report, Theo Epstein is close to leaving Boston behind in favor of the Chicago Cubs.

With a young superstar in shortstop Starlin Castro, along with a ton of cap room for the offseason, Epstein could have his way with a clean slate of a ballclub and a desperate fanbase and ownership.

Epstein is the perfect hire for the Cubs in the fact that he instills hope. Not some fake, "This is the year" type of hope—a legitimate hope of success.

Furthermore, Epstein's résumé can attract players to want to play for the Cubs. That is because they too have a newfound confidence that the Cubs may be able to end their futility in the somewhat-near future.

Overall, Epstein's hire could prove to be historic for the Cubs and their fans.

But as to whether or not the "Curse Killer" can solve the mysteries of the Billy Goat as well as he did with the Curse of the Bambino, that remains to be seen.

There is just never certainty with the Cubs. Never.